Major League Baseball has assembled a solid collective of musicians to accompany the upcoming All Star Game "weekend" taking place in Minneapolis over the next seven days. Check out the full list of guest stars and note that one Minnesota native won't be making an appearance: Prince. Just playing MLB, you know we love you.
Saturday, July 12
Although there's no baseball element accompanying the big free show at the Twins' Target Field, it might pack the biggest lineup of the weekend. Imagine Dragons will be the headliner, riding off the continued success of singles such as "Radioactive" and "Demons." The openers, Minneapolis-based hip-hop group Atmosphere, is a venue-filling act unto itself. Unfortunately, all the tickets for this free show have already been dealt out.
Sunday, July 13
The most underrated event at the All Star festivities has to be All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game, which will also take place at Target Field. Panic! At the Disco will be performing, which unintentionally raises the question: What is the MLB thinking, running Panic! alongside athletes that were at their peak decades ago?
Monday, July 14
Unlike its NBA counterpart (the Slam Dunk Competition), the Home Run Derby is still going strong as ever thanks to its simple precept: Huge dudes smashing baseballs upwards of 500 feet. Only one act will be performing infield prior to the event but we think MLB hit it right on the head: Aloe Blacc. The R&B rising star came to fame when his "The Man" accompanied everything this year. And you know David Ortiz is thinking "I'm the man" when he sends baseballs into orbit. Understanding this obvious logic, Blacc will only play "Can You Do This" and "Wake Me Up" before the event.
Tuesday, July 15
It's a busy day for ballplayers and concert organizers alike. The day will start with a ticketed concert prior to the main event, featuring O.A.R. and hometown a cappella group Home Free. Idina Menzel will perform Bob Dylan's (the folk legend is a native Minnesotan) "Forever Young" as part of a tribute to teachers. Joe Nichols will perform "God Bless America," an ode more popular in baseball than other sports. The Canadian National Anthem ("O Canada") will be performed by the Minnesota Orchestra's brass quintet, only adding to unfortunate stereotypes about Minnesota. Menzel will make her return to deliver the "Star-Spangled Banner," which will hopefully showcase her talent without obnoxious excess.
